for those of you who are just dying to find out.
metallic auto body paint is strange stuff. it's like metallic powder with so little binder that it doesn't actually ever seem to be wet. 15 minutes after being sprayed on, it's like a dry powder that can be touched without leaving a fingerprint. a day later, you can sand it with #1000 grit sandpaper, which is less abrasive than baby powder and leaves a smooth, fine finish.
i'm not totally satisfied with the way it's looking-- there's like a streakiness or unevenness in some places. i think it's unevenness in the primer showing through, maybe. fortunately, those areas are all going to be covered by hubcaps-- the areas that will be exposed are looking ok.
christa looked at them through the porch window last night and she said she thought they looked good.
i'll be very glad when they're finished, yet somehow i feel like i'm dragging my feet on this project, and i'm not sure why. maybe because i feel unsure of myself at every step-- and some steps, once done, cannot be undone without going back to primer. if i had to go back to primer at this point, i'd be really bummed.
the clear coat is kind of tricky and two of the wheels will be ready for clearcoat tonight i think. but then-- two wheels will be done! and the next two will be close behind. and i can finally stop driving around on slick tires :)
i'll have to decide if i want to install the hubcap clips before or after getting the wheels mounted. i had once thought that doing that while they're on the car would be easier, but now it seems like it would be easier while they're not on the car. in fact, i should have drilled the holes before i started painting; maybe i should drill them before the clearcoat step.
see, this kind of thing is why i move so slow on this thing. i want to think about every step.
Posted by lisa at April 22, 2004 10:27 AM | TrackBack